3-D DNA Model Project
Date Assigned: April 1, 2014
STEP 1: Write down a random 8 base pair sequence & its complementary strand. You will use this in your DNA model
_____ ______ ______ _____ ______ ______ ______ ______
Must use at least 2 of each letter on each strand
_____ ______ ______ _____ ______ ______ ______ ______
STEP 2: Create a three-dimensional model of a DNA strand. Use any materials you would like. Try not to spend
any money. It can be vertical or horizontal, as long as it is somewhat rigid and supported. The model must include
the following: (please use as a checklist to ensure that you include all of the requirements)
_____ all bases must be represented at least twice on each strand (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine)
_____ minimum 8 phosphate molecules must be represented/present on each side of helix
_____ minimum 8 sugar molecules must be represented/present on each side of helix
_____ in proper spiral shape (min. ½ twist) (do not over twist so that sides touch) Look online for twisting example
_____ Minimum 8 base pairs-paired together and touching (A=T, C=G) *can go through a center post
_____ base pairs are connected to the sugar molecules, not the phosphate
_____ include a typed out key including name, a sample or color coded key of the 4 bases, the Sugar and the
phosphate; and the written out 8 base pair sequence and complementary strand, starting at the top (or left) &
following one strand with its complementary,
DNA Model Project
Student: _______________
Min. 8 Nucleotide Base pairs represented in random pattern _____/16
8 Phosphates on each side of helix represented
_____/8
8 Sugars on each side of helix represented
_____/8
Correctly shaped (min., ½ twist) & even spacing btwn S/P strands ______5
Base pairs “touching” (can go through a center support)
_____/5
Base pairs connected to sugar molecule (not phosphate)
_____/5
Effort, Accuracy, and Detail
_____/5
All Typed Key included, Name (first and last)
8 base pair sequence included and accurate
_____/2
_____/8
matching materials/colors used in model & key
_____/3
Total ______/65
Students will be graded on accuracy of
DNA components, detail, effort, and
fulfilling all of the requirements listed
above.
DEADLINE: DNA model is due
Thursday, April 17, 2014.
POINTS: 65 points
(LATE: minus 7 points each day)
(5 Extra Credit Points: Turned in EarlyDue Friday, April 11th, 2014)
DNA Review
Project Objective:
1. Understand and review the structure of the DNA molecule
2. Understand how the components of DNA fit together to form DNA,
3. Understand that the genetic code is transmitted by molecules called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Remember that… DNA works something like the alphabet. While the alphabet has 26 letters, DNA's
"alphabet" has only four letters. These letters are guanine (G), adenine (A), cytosine (C), and thymine
(T). Just as the 26 letters of the alphabet can be used to form millions of words for communication,
DNA's alphabet can be combined to form codes with more than five billion combinations of G's, A's, T's,
and C's. The differences in these combinations result in differences among human beings. The DNA
molecule consists of two strands that form a double helix, a spiraling shape much like a twisted ladder.
The DNA molecule has a sugar component, a phosphate component, and four different bases—adenine,
thymine, cytosine, and guanine
Definitions:
DNA: The genetic material contained in every cell and unique to each individual
Chromosome: A structure found in the nucleus of cells. Chromosomes carry genes, smaller units that
contain DNA, the code of life.
Nucleotide: The basic structural unit of DNA. Each strand of a DNA molecule is a linear arrangement of
nucleotides, which are each composed of one sugar, one phosphate, and one nitrogenous base.
Chargaff’s Rule: Adenine = Thymine Guanine = Cytosine
* The 3 parts of a DNA nucleotide include: sugar, phosphate, and a base
* On each side of a DNA molecule, sugar and phosphate molecules alternate.
* Bases are only connected to sugar molecules
FOOD ITEMS WORK GREAT !!! CEREALS, CANDY, etc…
EXAMPLE STRAND BEFORE TWIST. YOUR STRAND CAN HAVE
ANY SEQUENCE AS LONG AS
A=T and C=G
Planning Guide:
16 items for Sugars = _______________________
16 items for phosphates = ____________________
Look at your chosen sequence, how many of each base
_____4___ # of A’s = item ___________________
_____4___ # of T’s = item ___________________
_____4___ # of C’s = item ___________________
_____4___ # of G’s = item ___________________
Sugar
How will you connect the sugar and phosphates together:
___________________________________________
Is it going to stand up or lay sideways: _____________
Do you need a base or top piece ________
How will you get your structure to have the correct
twist? Do you need an additional structure piece?
Are your items already different colors? If not, how will you differentiate the 4 different bases?
Do you need glue to attach the items, will you string them, or will you need a center post, etc…
List any tools to make your model? ______________________________________________
Once you have thought of these questions and gathered all your materials, you can start assembling your model
I will be available at lunch April 14-16 for help and advice assembling your model. I will bring a drill, white glue, and a hot
glue gun. However you must bring all the necessary items to put your DNA model together.
Additional Extra Credit Opportunity
In a typed written document, analyze and answer the following questions. You will likely need to use the WEB to review
information about the topics and get some background information to help support your answers. Each question should
include a short paragraph answering all parts of the question. Please include the question as part of your answer. This
assignment is worth an additional 20 points in the “test category” and points will be awarded based on accuracy,
completeness, and effort. It is due April 17th, 2014
1. For the past several years, scientists have been working to map and sequence the human genome—that is, all the instructions needed for
making an organism. Aptly called the Human Genome Project, it is considered one of the biggest milestones in scientific history. Why do
you think this project is so important? What types of information could it provide?
2. Do you think we have a better chance of curing genetic diseases, such as muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis, with our increased
knowledge of genetic codes? What issues does this increased knowledge raise?
3. Scientists have been working to understand genes since the 19th century. Research the work of the Austrian monk and biologist Gregor
Mendel. Why is he considered the "father of genetics"? What organisms did he study to learn how traits are passed on from parents to
offspring?
4. In 1997, scientists were able to clone a sheep. What do you think the potential of cloning is? Do you think that scientists will be able to
clone people some day? What dangers does that possibility raise?
5. If scientists can retrieve DNA from the remains of extinct animals, they might be able to clone them. What are some potential dangers of
cloning extinct mammals, such as the mammoth? What are some advantages of cloning extinct mammals?